Thousands of Quebec Doctors Unite to Oppose Controversial Health Law
In Montreal, an extraordinary scene unfolded as nearly 13,000 doctors, medical students, and healthcare professionals gathered at the Bell Centre to voice their opposition to Quebec’s newly passed Law 2. The massive rally, organized by the four main medical federations in the province—the Federation of General Practitioners (FMOQ), the Federation of Medical Specialists (FMSQ), the Federation of Resident Doctors (FMRQ), and the Federation of Medical Students (FMEQ)—sent a strong and united message to Premier François Legault’s government: suspend the law before it causes irreversible harm.
The event, held on Sunday, was marked by emotion, frustration, and a deep sense of urgency. Doctors say Law 2, which changes how physicians are paid, sets performance targets, and imposes penalties for non-compliance, threatens both the quality of care and the stability of Quebec’s already strained healthcare system. Many called it an “authoritarian drift,” a “climate of fear,” and even a form of bureaucratic overreach.
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Dr. Marc-André Amyot, president of the FMOQ, warned that imposing such a law without proper consultation would lead to “catastrophes that have already begun.” He pointed out that over 500 doctors have reportedly announced plans to leave Quebec since the law’s adoption. “We are open to reform,” he said, “but not at the cost of access to care or the safety of patients.”
The tone inside the Bell Centre was tense yet defiant. As televised clips of Premier Legault and Health Minister Christian Dubé appeared on the giant screens, the crowd erupted in boos. Signs and chants demanded respect, collaboration, and a complete suspension of the controversial legislation. Dr. Vincent Oliva, president of the FMSQ, called on the government to “come back to reason” and “treat doctors as partners, not adversaries.”
Among the voices of concern was Dr. Isabelle Gagnon, a family medicine chief from Outaouais, who fears the law will worsen an existing shortage of doctors. “We’re already losing physicians to Ontario,” she said. “This law will only accelerate that exodus.” In fact, the Ontario Physicians Recruitment Alliance reportedly stationed representatives outside the Bell Centre, inviting Quebec doctors to cross the border and practice there.
Doctors also warned that the new rules could push them toward what they described as “McDonald’s-style medicine,” where speed and volume replace thoughtful, patient-centered care. “If a patient needs an hour, I should be able to give that hour,” argued oncologist Dr. Carlos Melendez. “But Law 2 punishes that kind of care.”
Despite the backlash, Health Minister Christian Dubé’s office stated that the government understands the concerns and intends to continue clarifying the implications of the law. Still, the message from Quebec’s medical community was clear and powerful: Law 2, as it stands, risks breaking the very system it claims to fix. The pressure is now squarely on the government to pause, listen, and rebuild trust before the damage spreads further.
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